Leydig cell tumor

A Leydig cell tumor is a tumor of the testicle. It develops from Leydig cells. These are the cells in the testicles that release the male hormone, testosterone.

Causes of Leydig cell tumor

The cause of this tumor is unknown. There are no known risk factors for getting this tumor. Unlike germ cell tumors of the testicles, this tumor does not seem to be linked to undescended testes.

Leydig cell tumors make up a very small number of all testicular tumors. They are most often found in men between the ages of 20 and 60. This tumor is not common in children before puberty, but it may cause early puberty.

Leydig cell tumor Symptoms

There may be no symptoms.

When symptoms do occur, they can include:

Discomfort or pain in the testicle

Enlargement of a testicle or change in the way it feels

Excess development of breast tissue (gynecomastia) -- however, this can occur normally in adolescent boys who do not have testicular cancer

Heaviness in the scrotum

Lump or swelling in either testicle

Pain in the lower abdomen or back

Symptoms in other parts of the body, such as the lungs, abdomen, pelvis, back, or brain may also occur if the cancer has spread.

Tests and Exams

A physical examination typically reveals a firm lump in one of the testicles. When the health care provider holds a flashlight up to the scrotum, the light does not pass through the lump.

If you are of childbearing age, ask your doctor about methods to save your sperm for use at a later date.

When to Contact a Health Professional

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of testicular cancer.

Prevention of Leydig cell tumor

Performing testicular self-examination (TSE) each month may help detect testicular cancer at an early stage, before it spreads. Finding testicular cancer early is important to successful treatment and survival.